bù ( 步 ) (pronounced: boo) Literally meaning “step”, it represents the length of a typical pace. Approximate length: ~1.66 meters or ~5.45 feet
cùn (⼨) (pronounced: tsun) A cùn is roughly equivalent to an inch and is used for precise, small measurements. Approximate length: ~3.33 centimetres or ~1.31 inches
diyù (地狱) (pronounced: dee-yu) Mandarin for “hell” or “underworld”, referring to a place of punishment or suffering.
gāisǐ ( 该 死 ) (pronounced: guy-sr) A Mandarin phrase meaning “damn” or “to deserve death”, often used as a curse or strong expression of frustration.
guàiwu (怪物) (pronounced: gwhy-woo) Mandarin word for “monster” or “creature,” typically something strange or frightening.
Gushi ( 蛊 师 ) (pronounced: gu-shr) A Mandarin term combining Gu (蛊), meaning “dark magic” or “poisonous sorcery”, and shi (师), meaning “master” or “practitioner.” A Gushi is a user or master of dark magic, associated with forbidden, dangerous, or cursed powers.
húndàn ( 混 蛋 ) (pronounced: hoon-dan) A Mandarin insult meaning “bastard”, “jerk”, or “scoundrel”.
lǐ (⾥) (pronounced: lee) A lǐ is a traditional Chinese mile used for measuring longer distances. Historically its length varied, but in modern China it is standardised at exactly 500 meters (0.31 miles).
língchí (凌迟) (pronounced: ling-chr) A brutal form of execution known as “death by a thousand cuts”. Beyond causing extreme physical pain, lingchi violated Confucian ideals of filial piety by destroying the body, which was considered a sacred gift from one’s parents. This desecration brought lasting shame, disrupted the family’s honour, and was believed to prevent the spirit from finding peace after death.
qì ( ⽓ ) (pronounced: chee) A fundamental Mandarin concept often translated as “energy”, “life force”, or “breath,” central to traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.
Qián Qùshì Lù (前 觑视 录) (pronounced: chien chyooshr loo) Literally meaning “Forward-Looking Record”, it is a Book of Prophecies written a century ago, shortly after magic was outlawed in Tianlu. Said to foretell the rise and fall of powers, the resurgence of magic, and the fate of those who wield it.
shǎmào ( 傻 帽 ) (pronounced: shah-maow) Mandarin slang literally meaning “silly hat” used to call someone a “fool” or “idiot”.
shénmeguǐ (什么⻤) (pronounced: shen-muh-gway) A colloquial Mandarin expression meaning “what the hell” or “what the heck” used to express surprise or disbelief.
shīfu (师傅 / 师父) (pronounced: shir-foo) A respectful term for a master, teacher, or skilled worker. Commonly used for craftsmen, drivers, or martial arts teachers. Its meaning depends on which characters are used to write it.
wàipó (外婆) (pronounced: why-paw) Mandarin term for “maternal grandmother,” specifically the mother of one’s mother.
wǒcāo ( 我 操 ) (pronounced: waw-tsao) A vulgar Mandarin exclamation equivalent to “fuck!” or “damn!” expressing shock or anger.
Wushi (巫师) (pronounced: woo-shr) A Mandarin term meaning “shaman” or “sorcerer”. In the context of this book, a Wushi refers specifically to a practitioner or user of Wuxing elemental magic.
Wuxing ( 五 ⾏ ) (pronounced: woo-shing) A Mandarin term meaning “Five Elements” referring to a classical Chinese philosophy describing five fundamental elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — that interact in cycles of generation and destruction. In this book it used to form the basis of an elemental magic system, where practitioners harness and manipulate these elements, with powers tied closely to emotional states.
xiǎozi ( ⼩ ⼦ ) (pronounced: shyaow-dzr) A Mandarin term meaning “kid” “youngster” or sometimes “brat” often used informally or teasingly.
xīn ( ⼼ ) (pronounced: sheen) Mandarin for “heart” or “mind”. Used in the term Xīn immersion.
yǐn (引) (pronounced: yeen) A traditional Chinese unit of length with varied historical meanings. In modern standard usage, a yǐn is approximately 32 meters (about 105 feet).
yìqì ( ⼀ ⽓ ) (pronounced: yee-chee) Mandarin phrase meaning “in one breath” or “as one” often used metaphorically to describe unity or doing something continuously without pause.
Zodiac Hours System A traditional Chinese timekeeping system dividing the 24-hour day into 12 double-hours, each lasting about two modern hours. Each double-hour is associated with a zodiac animal. This system is widely used in traditional Chinese astrology, medicine, and cultural rituals.
The cycle repeats every day:
Rat Hours 23:00 – 01:00
Ox Hours 01:00 – 03:00
Tiger Hours 03:00 – 05:00
Rabbit Hours 05:00 – 07:00
Dragon Hours 07:00 – 09:00
Snake Hours 09:00 – 11:00
Horse Hours 11:00 – 13:00
Goat Hours 13:00 – 15:00
Monkey Hours 15:00 – 17:00
Rooster Hours 17:00 – 19:00
Dog Hours 19:00 – 21:00
Pig Hours 21:00 – 23:00
Zodiac Months In traditional Chinese astrology, the year is divided into 12 zodiac months aligned with the 24 solar terms of the lunisolar calendar. Each zodiac month corresponds roughly to the period between two solar terms and is associated with a zodiac animal. This system is traditionally used for Chinese astrology and reflects seasonal cycles. These months mark seasonal changes rather than lunar months and correspond approximately to the following dates in the modern Gregorian calendar:
Tiger Month: Late January – Late February
Rabbit Month: Late February – Late March
Dragon Month: Late March – Late April
Snake Month: Late April – Late May
Horse Month: Late May – Late June
Goat Month: Late June – Late July
Monkey Month: Late July – Late August
Rooster Month: Late August – Late September
Dog Month: Late September – Late October
Pig Month: Late October – Late November
Rat Month: Late November – Late December
Ox Month: Late December – Late January